The Elite League is gearing up for its Playoff Finals Weekend, but the expected domestic double by the Belfast Giants or Nottingham Panthers will not happen. Both teams, who were regular-season and Challenge Cup champions, were knocked out in the playoff quarter-finals.
The first major shock came from the Manchester Storm, who narrowly defeated the Nottingham Panthers 5-4 on aggregate after a nail-biting shootout. Shortly after, the Glasgow Clan replicated the feat, overcoming a one-goal deficit from the first leg to defeat the Belfast Giants in a penalty shootout.
In other quarter-final matches, the Cardiff Devils advanced by defeating the Coventry Blaze, and the Sheffield Steelers secured their place by overcoming the Guildford Flames.
Post-Game Reactions from the Quarter-Finals
Glasgow Clan (3) 3-1 (2) Belfast Giants (Shootout)
Glasgow Clan Coach Mike Sirant: “Our fans were the driving force behind our success tonight; the energy they brought was incredible, and our players fed off it. I’m immensely proud of our players and the entire organization. Going to the final four is special for Glasgow, and we’re not done yet. We’ll head to Nottingham with great confidence.”
Belfast Giants Coach Adam Keefe: “These were two very close games. The Clan truly wanted it. While we were strong for 120 minutes, we needed to generate more offense. Shootouts are a coin toss, and we let it get to that point. We weren’t sharp enough in the first 30 minutes of each game, and Glasgow created more opportunities. Ultimately, we didn’t do enough.”
Cardiff Devils (6) 4-1 (2) Coventry Blaze
Cardiff Devils Coach Paul Thompson: “The atmosphere today was fantastic, and the fans’ investment in this weekend was palpable. I’m glad we’ve reached this stage so our fans can attend the finals with anticipation. The players deserve immense credit for their effort and commitment. Kristoff Kontos is playing exceptionally well, and every player has elevated their game. We have a good feeling heading into the weekend.”
Coventry Blaze Coach Kevin Moore: “Cardiff’s defensive structure was excellent, and we struggled to penetrate it. We needed to score first, which didn’t happen. We made too many mental errors over the two games, which ultimately cost us.”
Nottingham Panthers (5) 4-4 (6) Manchester Storm (Shootout)
Nottingham Panthers Coach Danny Stewart: “I’m gutted for the guys; they gave everything they had. Despite being the higher seed, their effort was immense, especially with our limited numbers towards the end of the year. It was a game of inches. I commend Manchester for their hard work and for being worthy winners. While we’re on the wrong side of this today, I’m proud of the group and thankful to our phenomenal fans.”
Manchester Storm Coach Cam Critchlow: “It’s hard to put into words; what an emotional rollercoaster. Nottingham came out strong, but Drew DeRidder was outstanding in the shootout and throughout the season. This win means a lot to everyone involved with our organization. We’re not just here to reach the final four; we aim to compete. We admire Nottingham’s success, and this is a significant step forward for us.”
Sheffield Steelers (6) 5-1 (2) Guildford Flames
Sheffield Steelers Coach Aaron Fox: “This was a crucial weekend for us. We showed great resolve and relentless effort over the two games. We forced them to play a difficult 200-foot game by getting pucks deep and executing the small but vital details.”
Guildford Flames Coach Paul Dixon: “The best team won today, and it’s disappointing to end our strong run this way. Sheffield was simply superior. We looked nervous and were chasing shadows in the first period. We were beaten by the better team, and it’s a shame to finish like this, but I can’t fault our group’s work ethic and commitment since Christmas. We wish Sheffield the best.”
